How to Balance Cancer Treatment and Work

If you choose to keep working while undergoing cancer treatment, you’re not alone. Many people decide to follow their regular routines, keep their income flowing, and stay connected with their careers while they receive chemotherapy. Treatment affects everyone differently, and balancing chemotherapy with work can be challenging. If your job is flexible and you’re feeling well enough, it can be possible to take care of your health without sacrificing your career.

How Cancer Treatment May Impact Your Work

Your ability to work while receiving treatment depends on many factors, including the kind of cancer you’re treating, the type of chemotherapy you receive, and the doses your doctor prescribes. Different types of cancer require different treatment approaches, and some may be easier to manage than others.

Types of Chemotherapy

There are more than 100 different chemotherapy medications that work to kill cancer cells.

After primary treatment like surgery or radiation, adjuvant chemotherapy destroys cancer cells that remain in your body. Since it’s often scheduled in cycles, you may have breaks between treatments when you feel well enough to work. Some people receive targeted therapy, which can lead to fewer side effects. Other people receive chemotherapy as their only treatment.

High doses of chemotherapy are often more intense and cause stronger side effects, which can make working difficult.

Side effects of chemotherapy can include:

• Fatigue
• Pain Stress, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
• Trouble with memory or concentration (sometimes called “chemo brain”)
• Upset stomach or digestion issues
• Weakened immune system

Should You Talk to Your Boss or Coworkers About Cancer?

Almost any health-related conversation you have with your employer is confidential, but the amount of detail you choose to share is up to you. If you’re working while receiving cancer treatment, it’s best to be honest about the amount of time you’ll be away and how much work you can take on. This can help you set realistic expectations and find the right balance.

You don’t have to tell your coworkers anything about your health if you don’t want to. Still, they may notice or have questions about changes to your work or health — especially if you take a lot of time off for appointments or experience visible side effects like hair loss. Talking with your coworkers may make it easier to delegate tasks or find backup when you’re out of the office, but you don’t have to share personal details.

Accommodations at Work

Speak with your employer about work accommodations. They will work with you and help explain programs that may be available to you.

5 Ways to Balance Work and Treatment

Depending on the kind of work you do and the type of cancer treatment you’re receiving, you may be able to continue working. Here are some tips you can try.

1. Get Organized

Some people experience brain fog or memory troubles when receiving chemotherapy. When you’re feeling sharp, organize your schedule and work projects so that it’s easier to be productive on tough days. This is a good way to reduce stress, especially when you’re running low on mental or physical energy. If you need to take time off work, your organizational efforts can help you stay on track and support coworkers who cover for you.

2. Prioritize Tasks

You may not be able to work at the same pace you did before treatment. Know your limits and focus your energy on your most important tasks. Consider talking with your manager about extending deadlines, reducing your overall workload, or adjusting your job duties.

3. Ask for Help or Delegate

When you’re dealing with cancer, you’re never alone. Even if you choose not to explain your health situation, you may be able to delegate certain responsibilities or ask your coworkers to pitch in. If workplace accommodations would make it easier to complete your daily tasks, consider talking to your manager or HR. These small changes can make a big difference.

4. Change Your Schedule

It’s important to put your health first. Take frequent breaks and consider talking with your employer about modifying your working hours. Part-time schedules or flex work can help you stay productive without overextending yourself. Try planning chemotherapy treatments later in the day or on Fridays before the weekend. This way, treatments may have less of an impact on your energy and comfort while at work.

5. Take Advantage of Workplace Flexibility

Remote or hybrid work arrangements are much more common than they used to be. If working from home is an option, it could help you find more time to rest and take care of your health. If you have a long daily commute, consider a hybrid schedule or ask if you can transfer to a location closer to your home.

Build Your Support Network

Did you know that 1 in 3 people experience cancer in their lifetime? If you feel comfortable reaching out, you may be surprised how many people understand what you’re going through. Your coworkers may be willing to help or offer tips about resources at your workplace. Family, friends, and trusted colleagues can be a good source of emotional support while you juggle chemotherapy and your career.

Should You Keep Working During Treatment?

It’s your choice. Many people keep working while they treat cancer, but the side effects of chemotherapy drugs can make it hard. Symptoms like pain, stress, and fatigue could affect your work. If accommodations aren’t enough and keeping up with treatment becomes overwhelming, it may be time to pause your career and focus on your health. You can speak with your supervisor or HR department about job-protected leave, like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This federal program allows most employees to take time off to deal with a health issue without risking their job.

Prioritizing Your Work/Wellness Balance

Your energy, health, and ability to keep working depend on the type of cancer you have and the treatments you’re currently receiving. Your side effects may change over time, and so could your needs. Cancer is a journey, and your approach to working during treatment is a personal decision. The Sweetwater Regional Cancer Center team is here to support you at every step of the way.

If you have questions about your treatment, talk to Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County’s cancer team. Call us at 307-212-7760.